[King Prout]

in a choice between France and Japan, a specific factor must be weighed: Which nation contains fewer Muslims?

[Frank_Discussion]

"The Japanese site has the advantages of proximity to a port, a ground of solid bedrock and a nearby US military base."

Building a science facility? Then follow the technical needs. Japan fits by the qualifications above, the military base being a biggie. Especially a U.S. base.

"The French site offers an existing research facility and a more moderate climate."

There could be a monetary advantage to having an existing lab, but not that much. And the climate? Please. I daresay the lab will be air-conditioned? France doesn't fit too well on this set of quals, and your insinuation is generally correct: France isn't a very freindly host country at the moment for a variety of reasons.